On a fateful afternoon in August of 1998, Matt Hornberger found himself in a central London pub watching the Charity Shield match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United.
Matt recalls, “The Manchester United fans were classless wankers, so I was hoping for an Arsenal win.” History tells us, Matt’s hopes were realized as The Gunners won 3-0.
Some time later, Matt crossed paths with Arsenal supporters from his local pub, and says, “I’ve been a fan ever since.”
Matt became the Chicago Branch Manager in 2005, but demurs, “In all honesty, our branch manager in spirit will always be Gary Winters. The man doesn’t miss a match and is always waiting with a pint in hand for both the new and old supporters.”
According to Matt, there is only “one legitimate Arsenal pub in Chicago”, The Globe Pub, currently a finalist for Best Soccer Bar.
The Globe Pub
1934 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 871-3757
Asked about the fans at The Globe, Matt replies, “There are supporters present for every single match that is televised. Larger crowds gather for the weekend matches and mid-week Champions League ties. Send me an e-mail and we’ll try to save you a spot.”
Thanks to Arsenal America, Matt was fortunate enough to see the final match at Highbury.
Matt recalls, “There are so many football moments that are wonderful - but my best memory is leaving something special on one of Highbury’s walls before the final match. I will never forget that day and am forever grateful to the friends that allowed me to share it with them.” Then without hesitation, he says, “My second favorite memory is the 25th of April, 2004.”
Like so many of his fellow Branch Managers, Matt reckons the best thing about supporting Arsenal, is “the other supporters I have met in Chicago, London and elsewhere.”
In a city of almost 3 million people, it’s nice to know you can still find a true Gooner!
Matt Hornberger
Chicago Branch Manager
chicago@arsenalamerica.com
3 Responses to “AA Chicago Branch: In The Loop About Arsenal”
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December 13th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Those pictures of you guys watching in the bar make me jealous. It looks like a great time! And here I am down in Champaign, watching the games by myself on Sopcast… oh well, at least I get to watch the Gunners play!
December 13th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Having moved to Chicago over the summer i have to say, the Globe and the chicago ArsenalAmerica boys have been great. Great group and great place to enjoy our team. Looking forward to the Chelsea game. Are many of you guys going to come early and watch united-liverpool?
December 17th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
I’ve met up with Matt twice now, but both times were in London - hope I get a chance to see a match at The Globe in the next year or so - being only 8 hours away. Sounds like a fantastic place to watch a match.
I’ll be watching this weekends match a The Highbury in Milwaukee - would go to Chicago, but will only be in Milwaukee for 3 days so no time. Maybe next trip.